How to Plan an Affordable Destination Wedding from Los Angeles (Without Leaving California)
You don’t have to hop on a plane—or blow your budget—to have a destination wedding experience.
Planning a wedding in Los Angeles can feel like a full-time job. Between sky-high venue prices, booked-out vendors, and long guest lists, many couples find themselves wondering if a traditional LA wedding is even worth it. If you're dreaming of a celebration that feels like a true getaway—but you don’t want to leave California or spend a fortune—you’re not alone.
More and more couples are choosing affordable destination weddings within driving distance of Los Angeles, allowing them to trade city stress for mountain air, nature views, and meaningful moments with their closest friends and family.
Here’s how to plan a destination-style wedding from LA—without leaving the state, breaking your budget, or sacrificing style.
1. Decide What "Destination" Means to You
Destination doesn’t have to mean “Mexico” or “Maui.” It simply means choosing a location that allows you to step out of your everyday environment—and into a place that feels fresh, intentional, and removed from the daily grind.
Ask yourself:
Do you want a nature-forward setting?
Are you open to a smaller guest list?
Would you rather spend money on experience over excess?
If you're nodding yes, you're already halfway to a destination wedding mindset.
2. Look Within Driving Distance of LA
The secret to keeping your destination wedding affordable? Skip the flights and focus on drivable escapes.
Here are a few options within 2–3 hours of LA:
Paso Robles – Great for wine lovers, but often pricey and tourist-heavy
Big Bear – Cozy mountain vibes but limited venue availability
Joshua Tree – Beautiful for photos, but extremely weather-dependent
Tehachapi – An underrated gem with mountain views, vineyards, and affordable venues like Mirabelle Estate
📍 Why Tehachapi?
This quiet mountain town at the tip of the Sierra offers stunning views, cooler weather, and full weekend potential—without the LA price tag.
3. Choose an All-Inclusive Venue to Save Big
One of the best ways to save money and stress is by booking a venue that offers all-inclusive wedding packages. These packages bundle everything you need—venue, florals, catering, DJ, setup, coordination—often at a lower price than sourcing each piece separately.
At Mirabelle Estate in Tehachapi, for example, couples from LA can get:
A scenic ceremony & reception site
Fresh florals (yes, included)
Full catering & bar service
DJ + sound system
Professional photographer
Day-of coordinator
Setup, breakdown, & decor assistance
Onsite getting-ready space + honeymoon suite
💡 All of this for less than the cost of just a venue rental in Los Angeles.
4. Keep Guest Logistics Simple
You don’t need to fly your guests to Italy to give them a memorable experience.
With drive-up access to Tehachapi, your guests can:
Stay in charming Airbnbs or trusted hotel chains
Enjoy local wineries, hiking trails, and historic downtown Tehachapi
Be part of a full weekend celebration—without major travel costs
Pro tip: Offer a welcome dinner, wine tasting, or post-wedding brunch to make it feel like a full retreat.
5. Let the Setting Speak for Itself
Outdoor weddings in LA often require heavy rentals and décor just to transform a generic urban space. At a scenic venue like Mirabelle Estate, the mountain backdrop and natural landscape are built-in beauty.
You don’t need elaborate florals or luxury rentals—just soft lighting, a few eucalyptus centerpieces, and a good playlist. Your photos will look like you flew somewhere far away, even though you didn’t.
Final Thoughts: You Can Have a Destination Wedding Without Leaving California
If you're planning your wedding from Los Angeles and want something that feels peaceful, beautiful, and completely you, a California destination wedding might be the answer.
And if you're looking for a venue that makes it all easy and affordable, Mirabelle Estate in Tehachapi is just a few hours from LA—but feels like a world away.
Download our pricing guide or schedule an in-person tour to learn more about how we help LA couples plan destination-style weddings without the usual stress or expense.
